Seismic safe nuclear power plant

Abstract

A system and method isolate a nuclear power plant from effects of seismic action. An artificial lake is formed as a depressed area in the ground surrounded by walls or banks to constrain a volume of water within the depressed area. The lake has a concrete reinforced bed. The lake is surrounded by a land-based support area. The lake is filled from a source of water in liquid communication with the lake. The source is controlled to release water into the lake to maintain the lake at a selected level. At least one vessel floats on the surface of the water. The vessel is connected to the walls or banks of the lake with a plurality of shock absorbers to dampen movement of the vessel. A nuclear power plant erected on the vessel includes at least one cooling tower that receives cooling water from the lake.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 528,102 filed on Aug. 26, 2011.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention is in the field of energy generation, and, more particularly, is in the field of protection of nuclear energy generation plants from the effects of seismic activity.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Concerns are continually be expressed about the safety of nuclear power generating plants if and when an earthquake or other seismic activity occurs sufficiently close to one or more of the plants to cause substantial movement of the structures (housings, supports, interconnection pipes, etc.) within the stations. In particular, people are concerned about the release of radioactive materials in the event of a structural failure and are further concerned about the loss of cooling water to a reactor.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system and method described in this patent protect a nuclear power plant from a maximum seismic event by using water isolation, shock control, and wave damping. The system includes redundant systems to ensure maximum protection during seismic activity. The invention also includes a full auto shut-down mode and continuous safe reactor cooling maintained. By creating a lake and securing a large steel power plant float in the lake, the invention provides on-site cooling and controlled seismic protection for the reactor. Previous selections for nuclear power plant locations allowed major damage to existing plants by tsunamis. The invention reduces or eliminates the danger from a tsunami and uses liquid separation to isolate the ground seismic waves from direct contact to the reactor.

Problems solved by technology

Such locations allow major damage to existing nuclear power plants by tsunamis.

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